Every summer, my husband and I try to take in at least a couple of concerts at our wonderful local outdoor music venue, the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Ore. The Britt accommodates just 2,200 patrons between the reserved bench seating and the grass lawn general admission amphitheater, making for a fairly intimate experience. Additionally, for most events we can bring in our own food and beverages (excluding hard liquor), so we always tote along a few bottles of wine and a delectable picnic supper. It makes for a very pleasant evening as well as cutting down on the cost of an evening out.

Just a few weeks ago we arrived about 30 minutes before show time and settled in to our reserved seats. The opening act, The Well Pennies,   offered an enjoyable set of primarily folk music. Sarah and Bryan Vanderpool kept it simple with guitars and banjo and pleasant harmonies and no back-up musicians. After a brief break as the sky darkened, Diana Krall and her band took the stage,   offering up her cool jazz in that warm, silky voice. All in all, it was a mellow, delightful evening — everything we’ve come to love about the Britt.

Then last weekend I enjoyed another evening under the stars at different outdoor venue, this time in Portland, Ore., at one of the series of concerts at the Oregon Zoo. The zoo has been sponsoring concerts at its large stage and grassy amphitheater for decades, but this was my first experience there. It allows over 4,000 patrons, most in the general admission area which, as I found out, sprawls beyond the lawn and up around the pathways and nearby elephant enclosure. (It was interesting to watch the pachyderms’ reaction as the music played; they seemed to be drawn to the quieter numbers and softer vocals.)

Parking can be an issue at the zoo, as the “gates” for performances open at 5 p.m., when, especially on a warm, sunny Saturday, the zoo is still crowded with families enjoying the animals. We lucked out in finding a slot right near the entrance just as a young family was pulling out, but overflow parking a mile or so away and shuttle buses help with those who can’t find a zoo lot space. We didn’t get in until after 5:30, not a good idea if you want to get a prime spot on the grass. We managed to squeeze in off to one side and found both the view and the sound were just fine.

Sealed or empty water bottles are the only consumable items guest may bring in, and though there were several food carts (a number of Portland’s well-known food truck purveyors were among them) and beverage stations, lines were quite long. We grabbed some great Cubano sandwiches with a side of apple cabbage slaw from Bunk Sandwiches and a couple of cold ones (water, sodas and local wines and beers are available) and settled in as the sun finally dropped below the trees and it began to cool off. The opening act — a band from Seattle whose name I never did catch — played some rousing country tunes before giving up the stage to the headliner, Brandi Carlile.   I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her and her bandmates, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, several times now and always appreciate their songwriting skills, musicianship and lovely three-part harmonies.

There’s something very appealing about these outdoor summer concerts. At both the Britt and the Oregon Zoo, the vibe is welcoming and relaxed, with the crowd amiable and easy-going. Have you enjoyed any great concerts this summer?

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor